Re: Tree roots in drain pipes - persistent problem?

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Re: Tree roots in drain pipes - persistent problem? HeyBub 02-09-2008
Posted by HeyBub on February 9, 2008, 7:16 pm
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Gas Bag wrote:
> X-No-Archive:
>
> For longer than I care to remember, I've been getting drainage
> problems because of tree/plant roots growing into my drain pipes every
> few months or so. I have become well familiar with the issue. If the
> problem isn't too bad, I usually pour a few scoops of Root Rid (Copper
> Sulfate) crystals into the drain, last thing at night. If the root
> problem is more serious, I get a plumber to clear the drains with one
> of those roto tools. This clears out the roots thoroughly and the
> drains are cleared. I then keep up the Root Rid treatment for a few
> more weeks. The problem is the roots grow back later.
> I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
> enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
> tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
> them from growing in the drains - no. Rather I want to use something
> that will kill the offending tree/plant, or poison it as thoroughly as
> possible. What is the equivalent of "cyanide" for a tree or plant that
> I can put into my drains last thing at night? The bottom line is I
> don't just want to repel the roots, I want to thoroughly poison the
> tree.

An alternative is a plastic pipe liner. Impervious to roots.



Posted by symplastless on February 9, 2008, 7:51 pm
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Why, its not your tree is it?

--
Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Consulting Forester & Tree Expert
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
and www.treedictionary.com
Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.

> X-No-Archive:
>
> As much as I'd love to cut down the tree (years ago)......not an
> option. Well, not at the moment anyway. Same as plastic pipe liner for
> the drains. Not a viable option at the moment. Sounds like a good idea
> though.
>
> That "big bag of rock salt" option seems a reasonable idea. Might look
> into that. If you can give me some feedback on it, I'd really
> appreciate it. Also, I am thinking about buying some Round Up and
> pouring a little bit into the drain last thing at night, and keeping
> it up for a while.
>
> The bottom line is that tipping some sort of chemical into the drain
> is the only option at the moment.



Posted by David E. Ross on February 9, 2008, 8:11 pm
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On 2/9/2008 4:16 PM, HeyBub wrote:
> Gas Bag wrote:
>> X-No-Archive:
>>
>> For longer than I care to remember, I've been getting drainage
>> problems because of tree/plant roots growing into my drain pipes every
>> few months or so. I have become well familiar with the issue. If the
>> problem isn't too bad, I usually pour a few scoops of Root Rid (Copper
>> Sulfate) crystals into the drain, last thing at night. If the root
>> problem is more serious, I get a plumber to clear the drains with one
>> of those roto tools. This clears out the roots thoroughly and the
>> drains are cleared. I then keep up the Root Rid treatment for a few
>> more weeks. The problem is the roots grow back later.
>> I've been dealing with this problem for years and years, and I've had
>> enough. I want to know if there is anything that is EXTREMELY toxic to
>> tree/plant roots. I don't just want to use a chemical that will repel
>> them from growing in the drains - no. Rather I want to use something
>> that will kill the offending tree/plant, or poison it as thoroughly as
>> possible. What is the equivalent of "cyanide" for a tree or plant that
>> I can put into my drains last thing at night? The bottom line is I
>> don't just want to repel the roots, I want to thoroughly poison the
>> tree.
>
> An alternative is a plastic pipe liner. Impervious to roots.
>
>

This is also my recommendation. Your problem indicates that there is a
break or separated joint in your drain line. It doesn't take a tree to
clog it. Any plant, even annuals, can cause problems.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening pages at <http://www.rossde.com/garden/>

Posted by Cliff Hartle on February 9, 2008, 10:25 pm
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> Also, I am thinking about buying some Round Up and
> pouring a little bit into the drain last thing at night, and keeping
> it up for a while.

Round up only acts on the leaves and specifically is designed to degrade
when it hits the soil.

Also may be a federal offence.




Posted by Oren on February 9, 2008, 11:26 pm
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wrote:

>> Also, I am thinking about buying some Round Up and
>> pouring a little bit into the drain last thing at night, and keeping
>> it up for a while.
>
>Round up only acts on the leaves and specifically is designed to degrade
>when it hits the soil.
>
>Also may be a federal offence.
>
>
Sure may!

One could end up in the Witless Protection Program.

Oren
--

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